THERE are not many who would remember the incredulous victory that the young Pakistani team brought to Pakistan by crushing the much-touted English side, on its first visit to England. It was half-a-century ago and we have a tendency to forget our heroes.
Back then, Pakistan faced a host of thorny problems that needed immediate and undivided attention; so cricket was not a priority. The BCCP had a meagre budget granted by the government; other income generation sources were almost non-existent. By any standard, the scenario seemed to be quite disappointing, if not bleak. Such were the conditions when the team embarked on its very first tour of England.
The British print headlined the arrival of the Pakistani squad as “the babes of cricket”. That all changed in a few days as even the Oval stood astonished at the Pakistani victory. The local side was simply outclassed in every department of the game. “England Fazled Out” was the pricking headline of a prestigious daily.
Am I being nostalgic?
The Pakistani team earned laurels spearheaded by Abdul Hafeez Kardar who was lovingly called the Skipper. Technically sound and experienced, wielding the necessary qualities of a leader, he controlled, advised, ruled and made the team a perfect combination without being arrogant. A captain remembered respectfully even today. Hanif Mohammad and Alimuddin always opened the innings. They are still remembered for their perseverance, patience and grit. Khan Mohammad and Mahmood Hussain too were right on top. You simply couldn’t complain about their line, swing and control of the ball. Khan Mohammad, I believe, is the first, or among the first few, who broke a stump with his terrific speed. No pulled muscles, no hamstrings. Of course Fazal Mahmood was there, as was Imtiaz Ahmad, the guardian behind the stumps, would never let go a chance and would bat with a ferocious display of authority. Maqsood Ahmad, a hard-hitter of the ball was simply a delight to watch. These men took pride in Pakistan and Pakistani cricket. There was no display of individualism or an effort on personal exposure. They planned and executed the plan every bit, every ball, every over and every innings.
Today, it’s a different story. Pakistani cricket for the last four to five years has been suffering from a host of maladies. But it’s obvious and anybody’s guess that a constitution-less cricket board and part-time selectors can deliver nothing more than this much. The team is fractured, injured and emotionally down. Inzamam is frustrated and hopeless. “I am uncertain about it,” he said when asked about his job as captain. “The Australian tour is always hard but it was the hardest...especially for me.” Those are the words of the leader of the team. His mental turbulence, as reflected in his statements, directly affects an already shaken and shattered team. The unfortunate interpretation stands that Inzamam simply lacks what it takes to be a courageous helmsman navigating through these stormy waters.
Except his century, another senior and second-in-command, Yousuf Youhanna also failed. And the less said about the Pindi Express, the better. Unfortunately his approach to the game is purely individualistic as can be seen is his comparisons with Brett Lee.
The team is also in dire and desperate need of a regular trustworthy cool headed opening batting pair. But then the middle-order batting line, with the exception of a couple, is spineless too.
It’s high time and there is no use beating about the bush. Those at the helm of Pakistan cricket must act seriously, honestly, diligently and professionally to save it from complete ruination. The retrogression is continuous. According to the recent ICC rating Pakistan has slid down one more rung to fifth. There is a need to act now. One can only hope that the millions of screaming fans will soon see a better team emerge for our country.
THERE are not many who would remember the incredulous victory that the young Pakistani team brought to Pakistan by crushing the much-touted English side, on its first visit to England. It was half-a-century ago and we have a tendency to forget our heroes.
